Tournament jumps cats through hoops

September 22, 2006|KAREN RIVERS Tribune Staff Writer

Don't be fooled by the constant napping, the air of self-importance, the daily routine that consists mostly of licking. Inside every cat, an athletic champ may be hiding. This Saturday and Sunday, the Michiana Cat Show and International Cat Agility Tournament comes to Century Center. Cats will compete in six divisions for regional, national and international titles, and kids will show in a Junior Achiever Ring. Even more exciting: Purebreds and household cats will go head-to-head in the agility competition. The show/tournament, now in its second year, is presented by the International Cat Association and its local club, Great Lakes Area Cat Enthusiasts. The event should be fun for anyone who loves cats, is curious about unusual breeds, wants to shop for cat-related items -- or wants to see a cat leap through a hoop. "(Cat agility) is brand-new, and it was started by people who'd worked with horses and dog agility. ... People say you can't train cats ..., but they are very smart and very athletic, and they adapt well to agility (exercises)," Great Lakes Area Cat Enthusiasts president Susan Lee says. Lee says that on the course, cats act more like horses than like dogs. Instead of tackling the challenges one at a time, they seem to look ahead and plan. Of course, not every feline takes to the challenge because, as Lee puts it, "they are still cats." However, with the help of treats or even just the enticing wave of a feather, many cats can learn. The course at this weekend's show will feature jumps, tunnels and more. Cats can receive awards for "clean runs" and speed, plus skill certificates for individual obstacles. Watching them can be a thrill, Lee says. At one show, for instance, a Ragdoll that was born without eyes made its way through the course, attracting a crowd and much adoration. Another competitor Lee loved: an enthusiastic Himalayan. "He loved the jump! He owned that jump, and it was breathtaking -- seeing that long flowing coat (as he went through)," Lee says. Another exciting attraction at the show is a special display showing off the African Serval (a medium-size wild cat) and the domestic Savannah. It will explain how a breeding program produced a Serval-look-alike house pet. There is expected to be more than 25 Savannah cats as well as two tall, elegant Servals walking around on leashes at the show. Other fun breeds that will be on hand include Maine Coons, Russian Peterbalds, Bengals and Pixie Bobs. Household cats also will have the opportunity to earn awards and titles -- but if they're older than 8 months, they have to be spayed or neutered. As Lee explains, they want to show off kitties who are "good citizens." "We love all cats," she says, "and we promote the beauty and well-being of all cats." Staff Writer Karen Rivers: (574) 235-6442, krivers@sbtinfo.com